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Discussion

Is extra school needed to become an ER nurse?

Hi I'm Amanda,

I am going to begin my Senior year in high school this September, and I was wondering after I get my BSN and become an RN would i need to go back to school or take a certification test to become an ER nurse or would I be trained at the hospital?? Also, does anyone know good of any good colleges that have a nursing program in New Jerseyy?...

Thanksss!!!!

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    No, you would be trained at the hospital. good luck

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    No special schooling needed, but you could become a CNA or a EMT and work in the ER to gain a feel for the pace that is needed to work there as a nurse

    I am not working as a RN in the ER yet, but that is what I would like to do and I have worked as a CNA for 2.5 years in the ER

    Good Luck to you

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    You can even have an associates degree and be an ER nurse. It doesn't even require a BSN, but I would recommend going for BSN anyway. Have fun your Senior Year. How exciting!

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    Any chance you can volunteer in the ER. If you don't love trying all day to make order out of chaos it might not be for you. I'm proud to be a good ER nurse. I admire the people who can do the nursing I can't; OB, OR, Med/surg, psych, etc. The joy of nursing is that there are lots of options till you find your true love. Good Luck.

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    You don't need extra schooling. However, most ER's require extra certifications like ACLS and TNCC, which you can normally get through the hospital.

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    Hi Amanda,

    I am in Australia and after we become RN's you can go on and complete postgrad programs in Critical Care, Trauma, Wound Care etc through some universities if you so choose. Some hospitals require you to take these courses while you are working in those areas, if you intend to stay in that area for a while. Other hospitals train you in house.

    Hope this helps a little...its probably a bit different in the U.S.A...

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    Most ERs also require at least one year ICU experience before you go in as an ER nurse. This is for YOUR safety as well as the patient's safety. Most RNs who start in the ER right after school quickly experience burn out!

    The hospital will provide you with ACLS, PALS and NRP which are all requirements for most ER nurses. The ER is SO AWESOME but you do have to make order out of total chaos if you are in a trauma bay. ER nurses are seasoned and many times don't take too well to a brand new grad. It was AWESOME working in the ER-I have since switched to NICU where we sometimes have our own ER type situations. It's always an adrenaline rush!

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    I went straight to the ER as a new grad, but I had been a paramedic for more than five years at the time, and had worked as an ER tech for more than 3 years in the same ER. Being a new grad in the ER is difficult, and many people will tell you that a year of experience in med/surg makes the transition a little easier. I can't speak to that, as I've only worked in the ER. But if you do find an ER that will hire you as a new grad, make sure they offer a lengthy preceptorship and a good orientation period, or even a fellowship (more structured). I know this is way early, but this is good stuff to consider. I admire fellow planners. :D

    Once you're an ER nurse, you can seek certification as a Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN): About Certification - CEN

    So no special schooling is required before getting that RN, but there is plenty of training required afterward, no matter which area or specialty you choose! Good luck. :)

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